Detroit News Reporter Nicquel Terry joined Stafford and Host Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today. Winfrey has declined several requests from WDET to appear on Detroit Today or talk to reporters. Her opponent, Gilchrist, appeared on Detroit Today earlier this month where he outlined his plans for improving elections, providing voters with better information and increasing the transparency of city government.

Terry says Winfrey has made improvements in the city clerk’s office since voters elected her in 2005, but in last year’s presidential election, there were issues. Since then, Winfrey says she has corrected problems with volunteers and training, but Terry says she may still be vulnerable. “When those things begin happening, it’s just a little bit too late. People in the city of Detroit are depending on this process to be fair,” Terry says. “They’re depending on their votes to be counted. They’re depending on having a city clerk in office who can be held accountable and ensure there is a fair and flawless voting process in the city.”

Gilchrist, meanwhile, wants to improve the technology in the clerk’s office and hire more tech-savvy people, Stafford says.

Neither of the reporters have heard of any planned debates between Winfrey and Gilchrist.

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